From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

LaBelle Man Arrested In Truck Theft

On Monday, July 26, 2004, Investigators of the Hendry County SheriffsOffice arrested 35 year old, Earvile Wayne Miller of 1104 Apache Ave.,LaBelle, Florida, on charges of Dealing in Stolen Property.

On Monday morning, July 26, 2004, sheriffs deputies were notified byVernon Magruda, owner of Magruda Trucking Company, of Fort Myers, that hehad received information that one of his semi tractor/trailers was possiblyat 5163 Highway 80 and was being stripped. Upon the arrival of deputiesand agriculture investigators a blue in color International semi-tractorwith a flatbed Great Dane trailer was found.

Deputies met with Earvile Wayne Miller and questioned him about thevehicle. Miller stated that he was the driver and operator of theequipment. Deputies then contacted Magruda who confirmed that this wastrue, however, Miller had not been to work in over 3 weeks and that he hadbeen attempting to recover both items and had been unsuccessful.

Further investigation by deputies revealed that several components valuedat approximately $25,000.00 had been removed from the truck and trailer andreplaced with older components of lesser value.

Miller was arrested and transported to the Hendry County jail on charges ofDealing in Stolen Property. Miller is currently being held on a $25,000.00bond.